ScienceMakers Toolkit Manual - The History Makers

7. Dr. Williams has worked with the NIH. What does the NIH stand for? What does this organization do?
Research and share with your class the mission and scope of the NIH. (See Biography)
8. Dr. Williams was awarded an American Cancer Society Research Grant. Cancer is one of the most
visible types of diseases in the world today. What kinds of things would a biologist do to help cure
cancer? What are some of the types of cancer you can think of? How does cancer spread? What are the
methods we use to stop the spread of cancer? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of
these forms of treatment? Is there a consensus within the medical community about the best way to treat
cancer? Why do you think this is? Do you know anyone who has had cancer? (See Biography)
9. Dr. Williams has been a science advisor to the White House. What do you think it would be like to
infl uence science policy on a national or international level? (See Biography)
Experiment - It All Starts With Cells
This lesson was adapted from educational materials developed by the Center for the Advancement of Science
Education at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Lesson Objectives
• The students will become familiar with different cell parts and functions.
• The students will use microscopes and will create their own slides to study cells.
• The students will work in collaborative groups.
Materials
• Cell Part Cards
• Cell Costumes
• JELL-O Cups
• Large Gumballs
• Skittles
• Pieces of Licorice
• Jelly Beans
• Jar of Sprinkles
• Fruit Roll-ups
• Spoons
• Pencils
• Microscope Slides
• Cover Slips
• Vials of Iodine
• Eyedroppers
• Toothpicks
• Onions
• Plastic Knives
• Microscope
Lesson Plan:
1. Introduction
• Tell the group that our bodies are made up of many pieces, ranging from our bones in the skeletal system to
our large intestine in the digestive system. Now ask the students: What are bones and large intestine made
of? Cells! Every living thing is made up of cells. Our bodies are made from about 10 trillion cells, which
divide up into 200 different kinds of cells. So our muscles are made from muscle cells, our blood is made
form blood cells, and our liver is made from liver cells. But what exactly is a cell?
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Life Science